News and Analysis

White House budget calls for D.C. to receive budget autonomy

Eleanor Holmes Norton, D.C.'s delegate in Congress, prepares to speak to local students about D.C. voting rights last September. Hatchet File Photo

This post was written by Hatchet reporter Sloan Dickey.

President Barack Obama’s fiscal year 2013 budget proposal met praise from District officials Monday for suggesting the city gain autonomy over its budget.

The plan, released by the White House Monday morning, said the administration would “work with Congress and the Mayor to pass legislation to amend the D.C. Home Rule Act to provide the District with local budget autonomy.”

The Home Rule Act requires the city’s legislature to pass along its yearly budget to Congress for approval. Congress also holds the right to review and veto legislation passed by the D.C. Council.

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